Charges filed for animal cruelty

A Dingmans Ferry woman was charged Saturday with cruelty to animals and Pennsylvania dog law violations.

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Wayne Independent - Honesdale, PA

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Posted Feb. 26, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Updated Mar 4, 2013 at 11:51 AM

Posted Feb. 26, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Updated Mar 4, 2013 at 11:51 AM

DINGMANS FERRY

- A Dingmans Ferry woman was charged Saturday with cruelty to animals and Pennsylvania dog law violations.

According to a press release, Jessica Cortes was charged after an anonymous tip led authorities to her abandoned Wild Acres home in Delaware Twp., Pike County on Feb. 20. An emaciated dog was discovered living in the home's basement.

A Pennsylvania humane society police officer and a Pennsylvania dog warden were able to view the dog through a broken window.

Cortes was located by authorities and surrendered the dog, a five-year-old female Catahoula, to Dessin Animal Shelter in Honesdale.

Humane Society Police Officer Marlene Metzger, employed by the shelter, removed the dog from Cortes' property and took it directly to a veterinarian for medical care.

The dog was discharged Feb. 23, is currently in stable condition, and placed in a foster home.

She will be monitored during her recovery and rehabilitation.

The dog is not currently available for adoption.

Dispute over layaway

On Feb. 24, a dispute over layaway fees broke out at the K-Mart in the Rt. 6 Plaza. Twenty-six year old Thomas Michael Coffin was "upset over a fee to cancel his layaway," according to the police report. He became loud, knocked over a display case and spit on the floor.

Drug possession

On Feb. 20, the Honesdale Borough Police Department arrested 26-year-old Andrew O'Donnell of Lake Ariel for heroin possession. He was found to be in possession of the drug while at an appointment at the Wayne County Probation/Parole department. O'Donnell received a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance, with a court appearance forthcoming.

Theft from vehicle

John and Kim Ware of Gouldsboro reported on Feb. 21 that both of their cars were entered into while parked in their driveway. The police report states "money and work documents" belonging to Mr. Ware were among the items taken. The doors to both vehicles were unlocked.

Anyone with information should contact Pennsylvania State Police, Dunmore at 963-3156.

Found chainsaw

A chainsaw was found on Blooming Grove Road on Feb. 12. A caller notified police and placed the chainsaw in police property. Anyone who has lost a chainsaw in the Blooming Grove area should contact PSP Blooming Grove at 570-226-5718.

Shoplifters

One 16-year-old male of Hawley and a 16-year-old female of Greentown were reported to the PSP for shoplifting.

The incident took place Feb. 17 at the Dollar General in Newfoundland. The report states that management observed the "male handing clothing items to the female," who then placed them inside her shirt. Management then followed the two into the parking lot where "the female attempted to hide the items in their vehicle." Charges were filed against both juveniles for retail theft.

Page 2 of 2 - Barn Fire

A barn blaze broke out Feb. 20 at the Schweighofer Farm in Damascus Township.

Firefighters from Equinunk fought the fire "for hours" and a nearby barn was able to be saved. The structure involved in the blaze, and the hay inside, was completely destroyed. Most of the animals inside the structure were rescued.

After an investigation, the cause of the fire was ruled to most likely be caused by "an overheated extension cord that powered heat lamps." These lamps were in use to keep piglets warm.

Tragic accident

A collision between a Freightliner and a Jeep resulted in a fatality in Lackawanna County.

On Feb. 23, a 2012 Freightliner, operated by William Frankenfield, Jr., 65 of Stroudsburg, was in the right lane of travel on SR 435. As the vehicle approached the intersection of Phillips Road, a Jeep Cherokee, traveling south on SR 435, attempted to turn left onto Phillips Road. The turn was "done right in the path of the Freightliner." Unable to avoid the impact, the Freightliner "struck the Jeep at the passenger side door." After impact, the Jeep, carrying Matthew Gajdys of Moscow, 32, and Michael Evans, 33, rolled over while striking several utility poles. The Jeep came to rest on its roof with Evans pinned underneath. Evans was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation to the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Crash on Avoy Rd.

A crash occured on Avoy Road Feb. 23. Michael Marengo, 55 of Whitestone, N.Y. pulled out after stopping at a stop sign onto SR 590 from Avoy Road without clearance. The report reads that Dustin Cosgrove, 19, of Hawley and a 16 year old passenger were struck by Marengo. Marengo's vehicle came to an immediate stop and Cosgrove's car "spun out and came to a final rest blocking the east and wesbound lanes." Both Cosgrove and his passenger were wearing seatbelts at the time of impact.

Man charged for heroin

The Honesdale Borough Police filed charges against, Richard M. Chicoski, 25, from Hawley, after a traffic stop on Main Street.

According to police, on Feb. 19 at 11:29 p.m. officers were on patrol when they observed a vehicle

driven by Anthony Pascavage, 22, from Scranton, deposit litter from his vehicle.

During the stop, officers discovered that Chicoski who was a passenger, was wanted by the Wayne County Sheriff's office. When officers arrested Chicoski they found heroin and drug paraphernalia on him and inside the vehicle.

Chicoski was incarcerated in the Wayne County

Correctional Facility on the bench warrant. Pascavage was cited for driving with a suspended license.

On Feb. 25, charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia were filed on Chicoski.